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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (January 19) announced the test results of a targeted food surveillance project recently conducted to assess the use of preservatives in preserved fruits and vegetables. Among the 450 samples collected, six samples were found unsatisfactory. The overall satisfactory rate was 98.7%.
"The CFS collected 450 samples of preserved vegetables (such as cucumber, radish, leaf mustard, rakkyo, ginger and chilies) and preserved fruits (such as dried mango, dried pineapple, raisin, apricot, plum, dried apple ring, sour peach and olive) at different retail outlets (including supermarkets, groceries, snack shops, market stalls and restaurants) from October to December last year for preservative testing of sulphur dioxide, benzoic acid, sorbic acid and parabens," a spokesman for the CFS said.
Among the six unsatisfactory samples, one sample of sour peach and one sample of mango strip were found to contain benzoic acid at levels of 1,530 parts per million (ppm) and 1,700ppm respectively, exceeding the legal limit of 1,000ppm. One sample of raisins was found to contain sulphur dioxide at a level of 2,010ppm, exceeding the legal limit of 1,000ppm.
The remaining three unsatisfactory samples included one sample of dried apple rings, which were found to contain sulphur dioxide at a level of 1,570ppm, exceeding the legal limit of 1,000ppm. This test result was announced in the food safety report for October 2010. In addition, one sample of a pickled sweet ginger and one sample of raisins were also found to contain sulphur dioxide at levels of 197ppm (exceeding the legal limit of 100ppm) and 3,940ppm (exceeding the legal limit of 1,000ppm). These two results were announced in the food safety report for November 2010.
The spokesman said that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
"Sulphur dioxide, benzoic acid and sorbic acid are commonly used preservatives in food processing and are of low toxicity. The levels detected in the six unsatisfactory samples mentioned should not pose adverse health effect upon normal consumption," he said.
"The CFS has taken follow-up action against the unsatisfactory samples, including source tracing, requesting the vendors concerned to stop selling and to dispose of those food items, taking further samples and issuing warning letters. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecution will be taken," he added
The spokesman reminded the food trade to follow good manufacturing practice, comply with legal requirements when using preservatives and source food and ingredients from reliable sources. Members of the public are advised to buy food from reliable suppliers and maintain a balanced diet to reduce food risk.
Ends/Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:34
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